Edward S. Curtis&nbsp(1868-1952)

Title:

Plate 077 Ogalala War Party

Date:

1908

Size:

Portfolio, 18 x 22 inches

Medium:

Vintage Photogravure

This photogravure printed by Edward S. Curtis in 1908 shows a group of Ogalala or Sioux warriors on horseback. The warriors are adorned with war-paint, headdresses, and other elaborate garb to go to battle. Likely intertribal warfare at the time because many of the warriors have coup sticks which would not be honored in a non-native American fight. A coup stick, seen here adorned with eagle feathers or scalps, were meant to win honor in battle by striking a harmless blow to the enemy and symbolically inflict injury without the use of weaponry. Using the Coup stick was considered much more honorable than actually killing your enemy.

These warriors are making their way down a hill and likely into the enemies camp. The image was printed in 1908 for Edward S. Curtis’ North American Indian project. Printed on the finest of the 3 types of paper that Curtis offered, Deluxe Japanese Tissue. This vintage photogravure is for sale at out Aspen Art Gallery.